58.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 96Cost of Living 87.4Property Tax 86

County Report Card

About De Baca County, New Mexico

De Baca County Outshines National Median

De Baca County achieves a strong composite score of 58.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a high level of livability across several key dimensions.

A Standout in New Mexico

With a score of 58.6, De Baca is significantly stronger than the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It represents one of the more resilient and affordable options within the state.

Exceptional Safety and Resource Security

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 96.0 and a high water score of 86.0. It is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 87.4 and a tax score of 86.0.

Economic and Healthcare Limitations

Economic opportunity is very low, as evidenced by an income score of only 3.2 and a median household income of $40,804. Healthcare access is also a challenge, with a health score of 26.6.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Retirement

De Baca County is an ideal fit for those seeking maximum safety from environmental risks and very low living costs. It is best for residents who do not need a local high-paying job or frequent access to complex medical care.

204060801008687.428.826.668.53.2968654.6Tax86Cost87.4Safety28.8Health26.6Schools68.5Income3.2Risk96Water86Weather54.658.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

De Baca County DNA

Foverall

How De Baca County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

De Baca County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96/100) but notably weak in Income (3.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86+34
Cost
87.4+39.400000000000006
Safety
28.8-26.2
Health
26.6-23.4
Schools
68.5+14.5
Income
3.2-47.8
Risk
96+49
Water
86+28
Weather
54.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in De Baca County?

Many homeowners in De Baca County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $40,804/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

De Baca County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in De Baca County

via TaxByCounty

De Baca taxes run well below the national norm

De Baca County's effective tax rate of 0.499% sits substantially below the national median of 0.595%, placing it among the nation's lowest-taxed counties. The median property tax of $788 represents less than one-third of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low home values and favorable tax rates.

De Baca offers the state's most affordable tax climate

De Baca County's 0.499% effective rate is 16.1% below the New Mexico average of 0.595%, making it one of the state's most tax-efficient counties. The median tax of $788 represents just 75.5% of the state average of $1,043, providing exceptional tax relief.

De Baca leads regional tax advantage

De Baca's 0.499% rate is lower than most surrounding counties including Chaves (0.645%), Cibola (0.819%), and Colfax (0.576%), offering a significant regional tax advantage. Its median home value of $158,000 keeps property taxes minimal despite rural location.

A $158,000 home costs just $788 annually

The typical De Baca County homeowner with a median-valued property of $158,000 pays only $788 in annual property taxes. This represents exceptional affordability compared to both state and national benchmarks.

Review assessments for further tax savings

Even in this low-tax county, homeowners should periodically review their property assessments to ensure valuations align with fair market values. A successful appeal could provide additional relief in an already favorable tax environment.

Cost of Living in De Baca County

via CostByCounty

De Baca's housing burden peaks for lowest incomes

De Baca County renters spend 21.4% of income on housing—above both the national baseline of roughly 19% and the state average of 19.4%—while earning just $40,804 annually, the state's lowest median household income. This southeast county's $727 median rent strains already-limited household budgets significantly.

State's most vulnerable housing affordability crisis

De Baca County ranks as New Mexico's least affordable county by rent-to-income ratio at 21.4%, exacerbated by the state's lowest median household income of $40,804. The combination of low earnings and $727 median rent creates the state's most acute affordability pressure.

De Baca rents cheap but incomes cheaper still

De Baca's $727 median rent matches other rural counties like Cibola ($724) and Colfax ($704), yet De Baca households earn 21% less than Cibola residents. This income-cost mismatch makes De Baca's housing percentages hurt most among all counties studied.

De Baca rents consume highest share of incomes

De Baca renters spend $727 monthly while homeowners pay $503—a 31% ownership discount—yet both tenure groups face the state's tightest affordability. At $40,804 median income, renters allocate 21% while homeowners dedicate 15% to housing.

De Baca demands careful planning for relocators

De Baca County's combination of rock-bottom incomes and moderate rents creates real affordability stress, making relocation here advisable only with guaranteed income from outside sources. Remote workers, retirees, and those with existing assets will find genuine value; wage-dependent renters may struggle.

Income & Jobs in De Baca County

via IncomeByCounty

De Baca faces steepest national income gap

De Baca County's median household income of $40,804 falls 45% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 10% of American counties. This severe gap reflects extremely limited employment opportunities and economic activity in this sparsely populated county.

Lowest income county in New Mexico sample

De Baca County's median household income of $40,804 is 26% below New Mexico's state average of $55,469, the lowest among the eight counties examined. The county faces acute economic challenges requiring targeted investment and development strategies.

Significantly trails all comparable counties

De Baca County's $40,804 income falls $5,600 below its closest peer, Catron County ($46,439), and $15,500 below Curry County ($56,259). The gap reflects De Baca's extreme isolation and minimal economic infrastructure.

High rent burden strains tight budgets

At 21.4%, De Baca's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all eight counties, consuming over one-fifth of already-limited median income. Combined with the county's low median income, many households face genuine affordability pressures despite the low median home value of $158,000.

Focus on stable income and basic security

For De Baca County households with limited incomes, financial security requires building job skills and exploring higher-wage opportunities within or outside the county. Before investing, prioritize employer benefits, government safety-net programs, and any available grants or training assistance.

Safety in De Baca County

via CrimeByCounty

De Baca's National Safety Stand

De Baca County holds a safety score of 97.3, closely aligned with national trends. Its total crime rate of 1,710.9 per 100K remains well below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Close to New Mexico Averages

The county's safety score of 97.3 is nearly identical to the state average of 97.4. Data interpretation should be cautious, as only one reporting agency provides the figures for this area.

Lower Crime Than Large Neighbors

De Baca’s crime rate of 1,710.9 is significantly lower than neighboring Chaves County at 3,343.1. It provides a quieter alternative to the higher-activity counties nearby.

Understanding Local Crime Risks

Violent crime is reported at 531.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is relatively moderate at 1,179.9, making it the more frequent of the two categories.

Security in a Single-Agency County

Limited local law enforcement resources make personal home security a priority. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and consider installing a monitored alarm system to speed up emergency response.

Schools in De Baca County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concise Education in a Single District

De Baca County operates a streamlined system of just 3 schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This single-district approach serves 273 students in a close-knit environment.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates

The county boasts an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, beating both the New Mexico average of 79% and the national 87% benchmark. Spending is also high at $9,900 per pupil, well above the state average.

Fort Sumner Municipal Schools Stand Alone

Fort Sumner Municipal Schools manages all 273 students in the county. With no charter schools, the community focuses its resources entirely on these three core public campuses.

Quiet Rural Schools with Personal Focus

All education in the county takes place in rural settings, with an average school size of 91 students. Fort Sumner Elementary is the largest campus, providing a personal learning experience for 116 students.

Join a High-Performing Rural Community

Families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in the state should look at homes in Fort Sumner. This small-town setting offers a unified school system that consistently outperforms state averages.

Disaster Risk in De Baca County

via RiskByCounty

De Baca County has exceptionally low risk

At 4.07, De Baca County's composite risk score ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below New Mexico's state average (58.92) and the national median. This rural, sparsely populated county enjoys exceptional protection from most major natural disaster threats.

Safest county in New Mexico

De Baca County ranks lowest statewide for overall disaster risk, making it New Mexico's least vulnerable community. The county's remote location, minimal population, and favorable hazard geography combine to create this exceptional safety profile.

Far safer than surrounding counties

De Baca's 4.07 score is dramatically lower than all neighbors, including Chaves County (87.63) to the south and Curry County (61.83) to the north. The county stands alone in its minimal risk tier across central New Mexico.

Wildfire is the only notable threat

Wildfire risk (77.45) is De Baca's sole significant hazard, though even this ranks well below wildfire threats in neighboring counties. Flood (11.48), tornado (3.88), and earthquake (3.98) risks all remain negligible.

Standard insurance generally sufficient

De Baca residents can rely primarily on standard homeowners insurance, though those in forested areas should verify wildfire coverage. The county's exceptionally low overall risk means you can focus resources elsewhere rather than specialized disaster protection.

Water Quality in De Baca County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record in De Baca

De Baca County earns a Grade A for drinking water compliance, recording zero health violations over the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate stands in stark contrast to the state average of 475.7 per 100,000 people. It is currently one of the strongest performers for Safe Drinking Water Act adherence in New Mexico.

Watershed Health Outpaces State Trends

Only 13.9% of the county's 36 assessed water bodies are impaired, significantly better than the 20% state average. The 2022 cycle highlights sedimentation and conductivity as the primary issues. These impairments often affect the health of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Pecos River basin.

Detailed Organics and Metals Monitoring

Four monitoring sites have generated ,1618 measurements over the last five years, focusing on organics and pesticides. This targeted monitoring is essential for an area with significant agricultural activity. Scientists also frequently test for metals to ensure the safety of the Pecos River corridor.

Pecos River Flows Above Average

The Pecos River near Dunlap is currently flowing at 244 cfs, which is 175% of its long-term mean. This high discharge reflects recent precipitation or upstream releases, providing a surplus of water for the 6,647 square mile drainage area. These levels help dilute localized pollutants and support river health.

Maintaining Excellence in De Baca

With a Grade A compliance record, residents can have high confidence in their public water systems. However, the 175% streamflow may increase turbidity and sedimentation, so surface water users should monitor for clarity. Protective efforts should continue to focus on preventing agricultural runoff into the Pecos River.

Weather & Climate in De Baca County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Plains of De Baca

De Baca County averages 59.1°F annually, ranking warmer than the national median. The county receives 14.1 inches of precipitation, matching the typical New Mexico environment.

Consistently Warmer Than the State

De Baca's 59.1°F annual average sits well above the state's 54.8°F baseline. It experiences the steady heat characteristic of the central eastern plains.

Typical Rainfall for the High Plains

The county's 14.1 inches of annual precipitation almost exactly matches the state average of 14.0 inches. It maintains a consistent semi-arid profile similar to its northern neighbors.

Sizzling Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer heat is a major factor with 81 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 79.3°F. Winters are dry and cold, with 10.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Summer Shading and Air Conditioning

Reliable cooling systems are vital for the 77.8°F summer average and extended periods of extreme heat. Residents should prepare for dry, sunny winters with a 40.9°F average.

Soil Quality in De Baca County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline Sandy Profiles

De Baca’s soil pH of 7.63 is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile requires specific plant choices that can tolerate high-calcium environments.

Sand-Dominant River Soils

A high sand content of 58.9% defines the local texture, balanced by 20.8% silt and 16.9% clay. This mix allows for easy tilling but may require frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.

Competitive Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 1.25%, just under the state average, but the available water capacity of 0.131 in/in is higher than the state benchmark. This means the soil is surprisingly good at holding moisture for its sandy nature.

Challenging Infiltration Rates

Despite the sandy texture, the county falls into Hydrologic Group D, suggesting slow overall infiltration. Careful irrigation management is necessary to avoid surface runoff or ponding on the flats.

Sun-Loving Crops Flourish

In Zone 7a, sun-loving crops like melons and peppers thrive in these sandy, warm soils. Amend your soil with compost to boost that 1.25% organic matter and watch your garden take off.

Lawn Care in De Baca County

via LawnByCounty

Middle Ground in De Baca

De Baca County holds a lawn difficulty score of 31.7, placing it just above the New Mexico state average. Maintaining a lawn in Zone 7a here requires more effort than the national average of 50.0, primarily due to extreme summer temperatures. Consistent care is the key to success in this high-plains environment.

Intense Sun and Arid Air

With 81 days of temperatures over 90°F, heat stress is a major factor for local lawns. The county receives 14.1 inches of rain annually, which meets the state average but covers only about a third of a lawn's needs. The growing season is generous, running from April 18 to October 28.

Managing Sandy, Alkaline Soils

The soil in De Baca is predominantly sandy (58.9%) with a pH of 7.63, which is more alkaline than the 6.0-7.0 ideal. While sandy soil drains well, it struggles to hold onto nutrients and moisture. Regular additions of compost are necessary to lower pH over time and improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Navigating Moderate Drought

The county has experienced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, but currently lacks any D2+ severe drought areas. However, with 100% of the county classified as abnormally dry, water conservation remains a priority. Use the 14.1 inches of annual rain as a supplement to a focused, morning-only watering routine.

Ready for a Zone 7a Start

Bermuda grass is a top performer in De Baca, thriving in the 4,508 growing degree days available each year. Aim to seed or sod in late April after the last frost risk has passed. The alkaline-tolerant nature of warm-season grasses makes them well-suited for the local 7.63 pH soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is De Baca County's county score?
De Baca County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 58.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does De Baca County rank among counties in New Mexico?
De Baca County ranks #10 among all counties in New Mexico on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in De Baca County, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in De Baca County is $788, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns De Baca County a tax score of 86/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in De Baca County?
The median household income in De Baca County, New Mexico is $40,804 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. De Baca County earns an income score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is De Baca County, New Mexico a good place to live?
De Baca County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in New Mexico. The best way to evaluate De Baca County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare De Baca County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.